EXAM ISO 26262 FUNCTIONAL SAFETY ENGINEER
Take the first step toward becoming a recognized professional in automotive functional safety. Get certified as a Functional Safety Engineer under ISO 26262 with TÜV SÜD.
The growing complexity of electronic systems in the automotive sector demands professionals with solid functional safety qualifications. If you work in technical areas related to hardware, software, or quality management, this entry‑level certification provides the recognition you need to stand out in the industry.
The Engineer level of the Functional Safety Certification certifies that you possess a structured understanding of the ISO 26262 standard and the key phases of the functional safety lifecycle. This certification demonstrates that you understand the fundamental principles of developing safety‑related automotive systems, including safety management (FSM), risk analysis, and best‑practice design guidelines.
Backed by TÜV SÜD, a global leader in technical certification, this credential positions you internationally as a qualified technical profile, ready to contribute to development teams working under demanding safety standards. If you want to begin or strengthen your career in automotive functional safety, this is the ideal starting point.
Digital issuance of the certificate through Credsure: international verification, blockchain technology, and professional visibility
Upon passing the exam, the candidate will receive their certificate through Credsure, an international platform specialized in issuing verifiable digital credentials that uses blockchain technology to guarantee the authenticity, integrity, and traceability of the certificate.
This system allows immediate, real-time validation of the certificate through a unique and secure link, providing additional protection against any alteration or falsification. Credsure is designed to enhance the candidate’s professional visibility in digital environments.
✅ Digital certificate issued by TÜV SÜD with blockchain verification through Credsure
✅ Internationally valid and verifiable online by companies, institutions, and recruiters
✅ Easy to share on professional networks such as LinkedIn, digital portfolios, and online résumés
✅ Includes a secure link and/or QR code for immediate validity verification
✅ Backed by TÜV SÜD personnel certification standards
Thanks to this secure and widely recognized digital format, the candidate can reliably and visibly demonstrate their technical qualification, aligned with current digital environments, thereby strengthening their professional positioning in the job market.
Do you have questions about the training? Contact us
If you need more information about the exam, get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help!
Professional profile
This level is intended for professionals who operate in the roles described below:
✅Engineers and developers entering the field of automotive functional safety.
✅Professionals working in:
- Software development
- Hardware engineering
- Testing and validation
- Quality assurance
✅Individuals who need to understand ISO 26262 requirements and support functional safety activities.
✅Professionals transitioning from other regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, industrial automation) into automotive.
Knowledge Assessed in the Exam
The knowledge assessed in the exam is divided into the following blocks:
| Block | Content |
| Introduction to Functional Safety | Basic principles of functional safety in the automotive context and the purpose of ISO 26262 |
| Safety Lifecycle Overview | Understanding of the safety lifecycle phases and their interrelations |
| Functional Safety Management (FSM) | Fundamentals of project-independent and project-specific FSM activities |
| Risk Analysis & Concept Phase | Basics of hazard analysis, ASIL determination, and the concept phase requirements (ISO 26262-3) |
| System Development | General understanding of system-level safety requirements and architectural assumptions (ISO 26262-4) |
| Hardware Development | Introduction to safety-related hardware requirements, failure modes, and basic hardware metrics (ISO 26262-5) |
| Software Development | Awareness of software development requirements and structure, including verification activities (ISO 26262-6) |
| Supporting Processes | High-level view of supporting processes such as change management and documentation |
Recommended Preparation Path
Although any experienced professional may take the exam, TÜV SÜD recommends ISO 26262 Functional Safety Automotive Training as the primary preparation route. This program covers 100% of the assessed content and enables candidates to approach the exam with a significantly higher level of confidence and readiness.
You can refer to the course ISO 26262 Functional Safety Automotive Training
What Does This Certification Validate?
This certification validates that the candidate:
✅Understands the fundamental principles of ISO 26262
Demonstrates solid knowledge of the structure, purpose, and scope of the standard, including its relevance within the automotive development lifecycle.
✅Is familiar with the Functional Safety Lifecycle (FSM)
Understands core concepts such as safety management, development phases, supporting processes, and safety analysis foundations.
✅Can interpret essential safety concepts (ASIL, hazards, safety goals, functional safety requirements)
Shows the ability to correctly understand and contextualize the main terminology and concepts required for safe system development.
✅Understands basic risk analysis and safety assessment methods
Has foundational knowledge of FMEA, FTA, and other safety analysis techniques commonly used in automotive projects.
✅Can contribute to safety‑related tasks under supervision
Demonstrates readiness to integrate into functional safety teams and support activities led by senior or experienced professionals.
Professional benefits
Achieving the FS Engineer certification confirms your foundational competence in ISO 26262 and marks your entry into the world of automotive functional safety. It is the ideal starting point for professionals aiming to build a solid career in safety‑related development.
✅Recognition of foundational knowledge
Demonstrates your understanding of ISO 26262 and your ability to interpret key concepts such as FSM, SIF, and ASIL across the safety lifecycle.
✅Career entry point into functional safety
Provides a strong starting position for engineers looking to specialize in automotive safety, opening doors to projects under expert supervision.
✅Improved employability in a growing sector
Functional safety is a strategic priority in the automotive industry, and this certification validates your readiness to join development teams.
✅Increased credibility with employers and peers
TÜV SÜD’s name enhances your professional credibility, especially with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers looking for compliant team members.
✅Alignment with international safety standards
Ensures your skills are globally recognized and aligned with best practices in safety-critical system development.
Modality:
Online exam supervised using the EURO software from PRUEFSTER Onlineprüfungen GmbH. The participant chooses when to connect and take the exam within a pre-established time frame.
Type of exam
The exam is administered as a multiple-response test with the following characteristics:
✅ Each question may have one or several valid answers.
✅ Within a single question: correct answers add 1 point and incorrect answers subtract 1 point.
✅ A question cannot have a score below zero.
✅ Questions may require performing calculations, conceptual analysis, or deductive reasoning; they are not limited to memorized knowledge.
Number of questions:
around 90
Duration:
150 minutes
Passing grade:
50% (equivalent to 5 out of 10)
Certificate Validity
The certificate has no expiration date
There are no requirements to take the exam, but professional experience in the field and/or a technical qualification is recommended.
- As primary preparation, it is recommended to complete the ISO 26262 Functional Safety Automotive Training
course from TÜV SÜD. This program covers 100% of the evaluated content and allows candidates to approach the exam with greater confidence.